SPA HEATER BASICS

There are 3 common ways to heat spa water

1.        Gas Heat

2.       Electrical heat

3.       Pump heat

GAS HEATER

PROS:  A gas heater is a very efficient method of heating a spa.  It can be installed with basically all models of spas with some modification. It's fast and you do not need to keep the spa heated all the time in order to use it on short  notice. Typically you turn the gas heater on 15-30 minutes before using the spa

CONS:  Installation of a gas heater, including running gas lines etc. can easily cost a couple of thousand dollar.

ELECTRIC HEATER

PROS:  Most modern spas are well insulated which means that to heat a spa with electric heat is quite cost efficient.  A typical heating cost in Southern California will be between $20-$50 per month (a spa manufacturer might tell you that it's lower than that,  don't believe them).  Another  advantage of electrical heat is that the spa is always ready to use.

CONS:  The initial heating time could be as long as 24 hrs. It heats between 2-7 degrees per hour depending on spa insulation or size of heating element

PUMP HEAT

PROS: It's FREE heat as the residual heat from the circulation pump gets transferred to the water.  There is no separate heater

CONS: It can take you a week of more to heat up the spa and it's harder to get the spa not to over heat.